Sangamo is developing engineered transcription factors for the regulation and modification of genes. Our proprietary technology platform is based upon the engineering of a naturally occurring class of DNA transcription factors referred to as zinc finger DNA-binding proteins, or ZFPs. The DNA recognition and binding function of ZFPs can be used to target a variety of functional domains to a gene-specific location. Sangamo scientists engineer ZFP transcription factors, or ZFP TFs, that are able to regulate genes in a targeted fashion by fusing ZFPs to certain functional domains that either turn genes on or off. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFNs) for therapeutic gene modification as a treatment for infectious diseases, such as HIV and a variety of monogenic diseases, such as X-linked SCID. We believe that our ZFP technology is broadly applicable and are using it to develop novel human therapeutics and for applications in plant agriculture,cell engineering and research reagents .
When was Sangamo founded and by whom?
Edward Lanphier, our CEO, founded Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. in 1995.
When was Sangamo incorporated?
Sangamo was incorporated in Delaware in 1995.
How many employees does Sangamo have?
As of March 31 2009, Sangamo had 77 full-time employees.
What are ZFPs?
ZFPs are zinc finger DNA binding proteins, a class of naturally occurring proteins recognize and bind to DNA. When these domains are fused to functional domains that normally activate or repress gene expression, we can create ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TFs) capable of turning genes on or off. Sangamo scientists can engineer these proteins to bind to a specific DNA sequence in order to regulate the expression of a chosen target gene in any cell type. They can also engineer ZFP nucleases, or ZFNs, that can be used to facilitate therapeutic gene modification. ZFNs can be used for both disruption of a gene, such as CCR5, that facilitates a disease pathology, in this case HIV infection, or correction of a mutation in a gene that causes disease, such as the monogenic disease beta-thalassemia that is caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene.
How is Sangamo's zinc finger DNA-binding protein technology being applied?
We believe our ZFP technology has potential application in the treatment of human diseases through the development of both ZFP TF and ZFN-based therapeutics. In addition, with Dow AgroSciences we are applying our platform in planat agriculture and with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation as research reagents. Our technology is also being used in the production of transgenic animals and to the engineering of cell lines with enhanced characteristics for production of protein pharmaceuticals.
How are ZFP TFs and ZFNs being commercialized?
Internally, we are actively pursuing commercial applications of our ZFP TF and ZFN technology in human therapeutics, and to improve pharmaceutical protein production.
Human Therapeutics
ZFP-Therapeutics™. ZFP TFs and ZFNs have the potential to be developed as pharmaceutical products to treat a broad spectrum of diseases through the regulation of disease-related genes and the modification of disease-causing genes in patients.
Plant Agriculture
In June 2008, Dow AgroSciences exercised its option to become the exclusive licensee and sublicensor of Sangamo's proprietary ZFP technology for the development of products in plants and plant cell cultures following a successful research collaboration that began in October 2005.
Research Reagents
In July 2007, we entered into an license agreement with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation that gives Sigma access to our ZFP technology and the exclusive right to develop research reagents, products and services.
Cell Engineering Applications in the Manufacturing of Protein Pharmaceuticals
ZFP TF-and ZFN-engineered cell lines can be developed to enhance production yields of protein pharmaceuticals such as monoclonal antibodies. We have research agreements with several companies including Pfizer and Genentech.
Transgenic Animal Production
We have agreements with Open Monoclonal Technologies (a private company based in California) and Hoffmann LaRoche for the use of ZFNs in transgenic animal generation.
Can you please describe Sangamo's patent estate?
Sangamo has licensed intellectual property directed to the design, selection and use of ZFPs and ZFP TFs for gene regulation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johnson & Johnson, The Scripps Research Institute, Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University. These licenses grant us rights to make, use and sell ZFPs, ZFNs and ZFP TFs under sixteen families of patent filings. All of these patent families have been filed in the United States and many have been filed internationally in selected countries. As of February 6, 2009 these patent filings have resulted in nineteen issued U.S. patents. We believe these licensed patents and patent applications include all of the early and important patent filings directed to design, selection and use of ZFPs, ZFNs and ZFP TFs. As of February 6, 2009 we have seventy-one families of internally generated U.S. patent filings, including forty-nine U.S. and one hundred and fifty-seven foreign issued patents, based on Sangamo's internal research. These patent filings are directed to improvements in the design and use of ZFPs, ZFNs and ZFP TFs.
What is Sangamo's fiscal year and earnings release schedule?
Sangamo's fiscal year ends on December 31. Sangamo's second quarter 2009 financial results will be released at the end of July 2009.
When is Sangamo's Annual Meeting of Stockholders?
The 2009 meeting will take place at 9.00 am on June 4, 2009 at the company headquarters.
How can I get a current stock quote?
Please click here for a current stock quote. Note that there is about a 15-minute delay for this information.
How can I buy Sangamo stock?
Please contact a registered stockbroker.
Does Sangamo provide a direct stock purchase plan?
Sangamo does not provide a direct stock purchase program.
Does Sangamo issue dividends on its Common Stock?
Sangamo has not paid cash dividends since its inception and does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
On which exchange does Sangamo trade and what is the symbol?
Sangamo's Common Stock is traded under the symbol SGMO on the Nasdaq Global Market.
What are the details of Sangamo's IPO?
On April 6, 2000 Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. announced the initial public offering of 3.5 million shares of its Common Stock at a price to the public of $15.00 per share.
How many shares does Sangamo have outstanding?
There are approximately 41,100,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2009.
How can I get a copy of Sangamo's Annual Report?
To save costs, Sangamo prints a limited number of annual reports. To ensure the information is immediately available to anyone who requests it, however we post our Annual Report on our Web site in electronic format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file. Please click here to download a copy of the 2008 Annual Report. If you prefer a printed copy, please call (510) 970-6000 or email ewolffe@sangamo.com.
Whom can I contact at Sangamo for an investor packet?
You can request information online using the information request function on this site click here or contact:
Elizabeth Wolffe, Ph.D.
Corporate Communications
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., CA 94804
USA
Phone: (510)-970-6000 X271
Fax: (510)-236-8951
E-mail: investor.relations@sangamo.com
How do I get a copy of Sangamo's SEC filings, including 10-K's and 10-Q's?
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